Who's No. 2 QB for the Patriots?

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- One of the decisions facing Bill Belichick is who will be the primary backup to quarterback Tom Brady in the 2014 season -- incumbent Ryan Mallett or second-round draft choice Jimmy Garoppolo.

Mallett

Belichick was asked about the all-important backup spot after the preseason finale against the Giants, and if there was one takeaway from his responses, it's that he's not yet ready to announce that Mallett still has the job.

So stay tuned.

"Last year doesn't have anything to do with it," Belichick said. "This year is this year."

Those remarks came after Belichick was asked if there had been a change on the depth chart behind Brady as to who is the No. 2 option. When Belichick answered "no," a follow up question was asked to clarify if that meant Mallett was still the top backup.

At that point, Belichick said he hadn't announced anything about any starters.

Garoppolo played the entire preseason finale, going 22-of-42 for 284 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Over four games this preseason, he was 46-of-79 for 618 yards, with five touchdowns and the one pick.

Mallett appeared in three preseason games and was 14-of-26 for 161 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions.